The Black Monk, a new chamber musical inspired by Anton Chekhov's story of the same name, opens at Off-Broadway's Samuel Beckett Theater Dec. 4.

Presented by South Ark Stage, the production began previews Nov. 30 and will continue through Jan. 3, 2009. Kevin Newbury directs.

The four-person cast comprises Austin Pendleton as the Monk, Scott Robertson as Igor, Elon Rutberg as Andrei and Julie Craig as Tanya.

The Black Monk features book, lyrics and music by Wendy Kesselman. The new chamber musical, according to press notes, "follows the life of a gifted young artist Andrei. After five years in Moscow, Andrei returns home to his adopted father Igor and childhood love Tanya. As his talent blossoms, will Andrei be able to hold on to love, family, and his sanity or will the power of the mysterious Black Monk drive him into the unknown."

Show times are Tuesday at 7 PM, Wednesday-Friday at 8 PM, Saturday at 2 and 8 PM and Sunday at 3 PM. The Samuel Beckett Theater is located at 410 West 42nd Street, between 9th and 10th Avenues. Tickets, priced $47.50, are available by calling (212) 279-4200 or by visiting www.ticketcentral.com.